Best Online Associate in Marketing

by Doug Wintemute

Updated September 27, 2022

reviewed by TBS Rankings Team
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An associate degree in marketing prepares graduates for entry-level jobs in business and marketing, including advertising sales and non-technical manufacturing sales.

Students in associate-level marketing programs develop business and marketing foundations that lead to professional opportunities and further training. Many online colleges offer pathway programs to ease student transitions into bachelor's and master's in marketing programs.

Associate degree-holders can apply their skills to various sales roles. Their understanding of market conditions, consumer needs, and organizational marketing strategies help them provide quality service and sales results. Here, we rank the best online associate degrees in marketing and explore their unique features.

The Best Online Associate in Marketing Programs

#1 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Lake Area Technical College

  • Watertown, SD
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Watertown, South Dakota, Lake Area Technical College provides online education across 10 associate degree programs, including its associate in marketing and management program. Students in the marketing program gain knowledge and industry-relevant skills through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Upon graduating, students can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.

A leader in student success, the college connects students with career services, academic advising, and other resources. Other resources available for distance learners include academic tutoring and virtual library services.

Typically, enrollees receive $4,479 in financial aid awards. Of its enrollees, the college reports that 94% receive financial aid and 68% receive loans.

Lake Area Technical College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Watertown, South Dakota

Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,904

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $2,904

Average Tuition
In-state
$2,904
Out-of-state
$2,904
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,228
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Hinds Community College

  • Raymond, MS
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

From its main campus in Raymond, Hinds Community College boasts a highly ranked online associate in marketing management technology, one of 14 online associate programs. Marketing students benefit from a rigorous core curriculum, industry-relevant coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Students can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.

The college connects marketing students with career services, academic advising, and other success-focused resources. Enrollees can also access virtual library services and academic tutoring.

Typically, enrollees receive $5,557 in financial aid awards. Students can explore numerous funding opportunities, with 89% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 33% opting for student loans.

Hinds Community College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Raymond, Mississippi

Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,200

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,250

Average Tuition
In-state
$3,200
Out-of-state
$6,250
Retention Rate
60%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,827
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Lakeshore Technical College

  • Cleveland, WI
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Lakeshore Technical College, located in Cleveland, Wisconsin, supports 12 online associate degree programs, including an associate in digital marketing. The program prepares students for the demands of the marketing field through foundational and advanced coursework. Enrollees seeking to advance academically can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.

Marketing degree-seekers can access comprehensive college resources, including career counseling, academic advising, and financial aid assistance. They can also access virtual library services and academic tutoring.

The college connects students with financial aid options, reporting that enrollees receive an average of $4,592 in financial aid. Students can explore numerous funding opportunities, with 72% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 22% opting for student loans.

Lakeshore Technical College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Cleveland, Wisconsin

Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,095

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,143

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,095
Out-of-state
$6,143
Retention Rate
55%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,660
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
67% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Northcentral Technical College

  • Wausau, WI
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Distance learners looking for a flexible online associate degree program in marketing should consider Northcentral Technical College. Students in the marketing program complete courses relevant to the marketing field, preparing them for their future careers. Enrollees can apply their earned credits toward a bachelor's degree, certificates, and educational credentials.

The college connects students with resources such as academic advising and career resources. Online students can access virtual library services and academic tutoring.

The institution reports the average financial aid award as $4,746. Approximately 70% of all incoming students receive financial aid, with 18% using student loans.

Northcentral Technical College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Wausau, Wisconsin

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,276

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,914

Average Tuition
In-state
$3,276
Out-of-state
$4,914
Retention Rate
61%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,177
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Moraine Park Technical College

  • Fond du Lac, WI
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Moraine Park Technical College supports seven online associate degree programs from its main campus in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. students prepare for a career in marketing through relevant coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Students can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.

Students receive guidance throughout the duration of their program and can access career services and academic advising. Distance learners can benefit from other resources, such as virtual library services and academic tutoring.

The institution reports the average financial aid award as $4,557. Approximately 69% of all incoming students receive financial aid, with 28% taking out student loans.

Moraine Park Technical College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,102

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,547

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,102
Out-of-state
$5,547
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Southern Regional Technical College

  • Thomasville, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

From its main campus in Thomasville, Georgia, Southern Regional Technical College supports three online associate degree programs, including an AAS in marketing management program. Enrollees gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the marketing field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Students seeking to advance their education can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree.

Enrollees receive guidance throughout the duration of their studies and can access career services and academic advising. Distance learners can connect with virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.

Attendees benefit from financial aid opportunities, receiving an average of $9,038 in awards. Students can meet with the Office of Financial Aid to determine their eligibility for funding.

Southern Regional Technical College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Thomasville, Georgia

Student-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,400

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,800

Average Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Retention Rate
55%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,973
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Seminole State College of Florida

  • Sanford, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

At Seminole State College of Florida, the associate in social media and marketing is one of 20 online associate degree programs offered online. The program prepares students for the demands of the marketing field through foundational and advanced coursework. Graduates can pursue further study, such as a bachelor's program, and apply their college credits toward a four-year degree.

A leader in student success, the college connects learners with career services, academic advising, and other resources. Online students can access virtual library services and academic tutoring.

Online students can expect to receive an average of $4,949 in financial aid awards. About 66% of incoming students receive financial aid awards, and 18% take out student loans.

Seminole State College of Florida at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, four-year

Location: Sanford, Florida

Student-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,393

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,494

Average Tuition
In-state
$2,393
Out-of-state
$9,494
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
17,754
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Chippewa Valley Technical College

  • Eau Claire, WI
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

A leader in online education, Chippewa Valley Technical College supports 13 online associate degree programs, including its associate in marketing. The program prepares students for the demands of the marketing field through foundational and advanced coursework. Students can transfer their course credits to a four-year college, in pursuit of a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.

While enrolled, marketing students can access college resources geared toward student success. Distance learners can access other resources such as virtual library services and academic tutoring.

Marketing students can expect to receive an average of $5,251 in financial aid. The institution reports that 78% of all enrollees receive financial aid and 27% use student loans.

Chippewa Valley Technical College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,095

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,143

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,095
Out-of-state
$6,143
Retention Rate
59%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,924
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Fox Valley Technical College

  • Appleton, WI
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Fox Valley Technical College hosts 16 online associate programs, including an associate in marketing program. Students in the marketing program gain knowledge and industry-relevant skills through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Upon completion, students can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.

The college prioritizes student success through career services, academic advising, and other resources. The institution also provides online enrollees with virtual library services and academic tutoring resources, including writing tutoring.

Online students can expect to receive an average of $4,669 in financial aid awards. About 69% of incoming students receive financial aid awards, and about 15% receive student loans.

Fox Valley Technical College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Appleton, Wisconsin

Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,095

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,143

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,095
Out-of-state
$6,143
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,239
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Best Online Associate in Marketing

Fayetteville Technical Community College

  • Fayetteville, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

From its main campus, Fayetteville Technical Community College boasts a highly-ranked online associate degree in marketing, one of 14 online associate programs. Enrollees benefit from a robust course curriculum, preparing them for the demands of the marketing field. Enrollees seeking to advance their education can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.

The college connects students with resources such as academic advising and career resources. Further resources available to online students include virtual library services and academic tutoring.

Marketing students can expect to receive an average of $7,884 in financial aid. Approximately 85% of all incoming students receive financial aid, with 36% taking out student loans.

Fayetteville Technical Community College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Student-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,432

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $8,576

Average Tuition
In-state
$2,432
Out-of-state
$8,576
Retention Rate
56%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,021
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Associate

Online Associate in Marketing Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Featured Online Associate in Marketing Programs

Is Marketing the Right Career Path for Me?

The marketing and business field attracts diverse candidates. Some aim to work with specific products and services, while others pursue the field for its flexibility. In general, however, marketing and sales careers appeal to individuals with strong communication and organizational skills. Professionals usually possess high levels of self-confidence and initiative.

You Might Enjoy a Career in Marketing and Sales if You…

Have effective interpersonal skills
Can be persuasive
Are persistent and eager
Believe in your skills and abilities
Enjoy problem-solving and overcoming challenges

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Marketing?

Associate degrees in marketing equip students with knowledge related to promoting goods and services. In addition to teaching learners marketing and selling strategies, most marketing degrees at this level offer general business and marketplace training.

Typically, an online associate degree in marketing features approximately 60 credits and takes students two years to complete. Learners often encounter general education and interpersonal training, along with coursework in research and management.

While many graduates enter the workforce after completing their associate degrees, these programs also provide an entryway to further education. Associate degree-holders can often transfer their credits directly to online bachelor's degrees in marketing to save money when compared to a four-year degree.

Associate Degree in Marketing Courses

The exact curriculum in a marketing program varies by school, but students can expect to encounter some common courses along the way. In addition to general education and business foundation courses, enrollees may take the following marketing-specific classes:

  • Professional selling
  • Digital marketing
  • Market research
  • Advertising
  • Consumer behavior

Marketing Skills Learned

Students can pick up human and technical skills that apply to most careers in marketing, including:

  • Business communication
  • Campaign planning
  • Conducting market research
  • Social media management
  • Basic design
  • Marketing technology

Choosing an Online Associate in Marketing Program

Prospective students need to consider multiple factors when choosing an online college to ensure it meets their needs and professional aspirations. As with on-campus schools, learners need to research program curriculum, specializations, and student services available.

They should also explore online-specific options, such as asynchronous vs. synchronous course delivery, if the school offers in-state tuition rates to online out-of-state students, and residency requirements.

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With a Marketing Associate Degree?

Graduates with associate degrees in marketing can qualify for entry-level positions as marketing assistants, media planners, content creators, and brand representatives. They may work under promotions or advertising managers or take on sales-related roles.

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

Median Salary (2020): $65,420

Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives establish purchasing contracts and sell products to other businesses. They may help develop pricing and selling strategies and collaborate with technical experts to provide in-depth product information to their clients. Sales representatives also attend trade shows and research potential clients.

Advertising Sales Agents

Median Salary (2020): $54,940 per year

Advertising sales agents sell their organization's services to people and other companies. They may sell advertising space, single-piece ads and designs, or entire campaign management services. These agents create presentations, attend trade shows, and work with commercial printers to create the final products.

Insurance Sales Agents

Median Salary (2020): $52,180

Insurance sales agents sell insurance coverage and plans to individuals and organizations. They work with customers to determine the best coverage for their needs and expand their customer bases with various marketing and sales strategies. They provide consumers with policy information, oversee account changes, and process renewals.

Common Questions About Marketing Degrees and Careers

What Is AMA Certification?

The American Marketing Association offers certifications for experienced marketing professionals. A certification candidate typically needs a degree and several years of experience for eligibility.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Marketing?

Most students take two years to complete associate degrees in marketing. Some programs offer more accelerated pathways or part-time options.

Does Marketing Involve Math?

Yes. An associate degree in marketing may include math courses in subjects such as statistics, economics, finance, and pricing.

Does Marketing Pay Well?

Yes. The marketing field offers some of the most competitive wages in business. For example, marketing managers make a median annual wage of $141,490, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Portrait of Doug Wintemute

Doug Wintemute

Doug Wintemute is a Toronto-based freelance writer with professional writing interests in higher learning and entertainment. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum laude and earning academic merit, research, and writing awards at both levels. Since 2014, he has contributed content and editorial work for award-winning digital trade publications, global SEO copywriting projects, and hugely popular online brands. He can be contacted through LinkedIn.


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